Continuous neglect of laboratory services could collapse health sector – Biomedical scientists

Biomedical scientists warn the country’s health care system risk collapse if laboratory services continue to be neglected.

President of the association of professional biomedical scientists, Dr. Ignatius Awinibuo, says members are sidelined in decision making processes at the various health facilities across the country.

“We’ve been assigned to the periphery while should be at the core of health delivery. We have no say in the way the health sector is run. We’re more of implementers than policy makers.

“Decisions are taken and pushed down our throats,” he lamented.

At a forum in Kumasi on International Laboratory Science Day, Dr. Awinibuo, advocated for the managerial inclusion of biomedical scientists.

“They should begin to give mainstream roles to laboratory scientist. We want them to know we’re prepared for the challenge,” he said.

He believes Ghana’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals depends on a strong healthcare system hinged on efficient laboratory services.

This year’s occasion was held under the 2017 theme, ‘’Antimicrobial Resistance: Biomedical Scientist Respond to Threat’’.  It follows concerns about dangers antimicrobial resistance pose to the country’s healthcare delivery.

Head of Molecular Medicine at School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Prof Francis Agyemang-Frimpong urged the government to properly equip laboratories to improve surveillance.

“Surveillance is in its infancy in the country. These resources are lacking in our healthcare system,” he observes.

Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, underscored the need for national treatment policies such combination of therapy and rational prescription.

Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr. Oheneba Owusu- Danso, says application of modern technology will also be critical.

President Akufo Addo recently launched Anti-microbial Resistance Policy and National Action Plan.

He charged laboratory scientists to collaborate with government implementation of the Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan and Policy.

Labpreneurs, a group of laboratory scientists which provide employment for members was also launched at the event.